In The Prince, Niccolo Machiavelli, takes the reader into an insightful journey of understanding the dynamics of principalities a prince should be possessing in order to earn favor of his subjects. This thought-provoking book was written in 1513, but it was published after the death of the author in 1532. Niccolo Machiavelli, a well-known figure of his time, was born in Florence in 1469 and departed the world in 1527 after giving the asset of its knowledge in the form of “The Prince.” Niccolo Machiavelli dedicated his book to Lorenzo de’ Medici who was the heir of Medici family and the ruler of Florence at that time. Machiavelli wanted to secure a position in the government in order to keep its contacts with the states and have a good reputation in front of the rulers.

Medici family was overthrown in 1494 by the foreign invasion of The French king and the whole order was disturbed. Being a reputable person, Machiavelli was given the position of Secretary of Florence’s second chancery, in which his role was to issue the government documents and he was engaged in fifty diplomatic missions. After the return of Medici family in 1512, with the Guilian de’ Medici as the ruler of Florence and Giovanni de’ Medici as Pope Leo X in 1513, Machiavelli lost its position as the Medici family saw him as a republican and he was suspected of conspiracy which led to his exile in 1513. This was the same year when Machiavelli wrote “The Prince”, but the political tensions of Florence and Italy as a whole did not favor him.

An overview of how The Prince could be practically used in today’s world when the states are in direct competition with each other and each state is trying to build up strong militaries in order to compete with their adversaries

The purpose of this book review is to give an overview of how The Prince could be practically used in today’s world when the states are in direct competition with each other and each state is trying to build up strong militaries in order to compete with their adversaries. The real life situations from The Prince could be an example for the leaders to act in their best possible ways even if that means they have to turn ruthless in order to achieve a certain objective for his state and subjects.

Niccolo Machiavelli has divided The Prince into twenty- six chapters with each defining the ways any leader or state can achieve their ultimate goals

Niccolo Machiavelli has divided The Prince into twenty- six chapters with each defining the ways any leader or state can achieve their ultimate goals. Starting with the types of principalities that covers the first eleven chapters of the book the author explains how different kinds of states can be governed differently by the leaders depending upon their structures and political situations. As in case of hereditary monarchies, it is far more complex for any foreign intervention, whereas in mixed monarchies which implies the colonies structure, it is possible for rebels or outsiders interested in the region to invade it.

Kingdom of Darius was conquered by Alexander the Great, but after his death the subjects did not rebel against his successors because there were no hereditary nobles rather they were the appointed ministers who could not provoke the leaders. States with previously self-governing abilities, states won by new rulers own forces and abilities, states won by lucky circumstances or someone’s else’s force, and states won by crimes, they all have their challenges for the leaders to make it work efficiently and prevent from the failures of it. Chapter twelve to fourteen assesses the military capabilities of states and the type of strategies used by the military leaders.

Machiavelli emphasizes that what gains the favor of subjects is the superiority of military power which gives them a sense of security

Machiavelli emphasizes that what gains the favor of subjects is the superiority of military power which gives them a sense of security. He further suggests that depending upon the auxiliaries and mercenaries might awake the sentiments of rebellion among them for their personal benefits, so it is better to readily prepare the citizen armies of the states. Citizen armies are subjected to be loyal towards their states due to the feelings of patriotism and fear of foreign invasion.

A ruler should have the adaptability power in times of conflicts and any attempt made against his rule, he could turn mean and cruel, as long as it serves his interests but should not become the target of contempt and hatred among his subjects

Chapter fifteen to twenty- three are divided among the qualities of a prince. Machiavelli suggests that it is better to be feared than to be loved, for a leader should do anything to keep his power and avoid any chances of the rebellion nature among his citizens. A ruler should have the adaptability power in times of conflicts and if any attempt is made against his rule, he could turn mean and cruel, as long as it serves his interests but should not become the target of contempt and hatred among his subjects. Chapter twenty- four to twenty-six concludes with how rulers and their state’s luck has favored them or has been against them and ultimately demands the unification of Italy and to make it free from foreign interventions.

Machiavelli’s approach is rather way too ruthless and in the contemporary world such harshness cannot be implied due to the increased global governance and the interdependencies of states

This book has been very well-written by Niccolo Machiavelli and his analysis of human nature is what makes it stand out among others. This could be very beneficial for the people who are in power and they can adapt the strategies suggested by Nicolo Machiavelli. Critics argue that Machiavelli’s approach is rather way too ruthless and in the contemporary world such harshness cannot be implied due to the increased global governance and the interdependencies of states.

In conclusion, it is suggested that the readers should go through the reading of the entire book and analyze on their own to better grasp the concepts given by Machiavelli especially people who are interested in political theory, history or strategic leadership.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. They do not represent the views, beliefs, or policies of the Stratheia.